Nature of the Subject

This subjects encourages students to think differently to another. Students need to ask 'why?' rather than just accepting what is being told to them. 

Students need to inquire thoroughly and reflect upon the information they find. 

This course sets students up perfectly for university as they learn how to research effectively and question the journals they find.

Syllabus & Content

In both component 1 the essay and 2, the team project, students are given a range of global issues and topics, it is down to the class to choose the topics that they are most interested in, all of these topics will have local, regional, national and international importance. 

The list of these topics can be found in the syllabus. 

Assessment

AS Level

Component 1

Written Exam 

1 hour 30 minutes 45 marks 

Externally assessed 36% of the AS Level 18% of the A Level

Component 2 

Essay 40 marks 

Candidates research a global issue of their own choice from topics studied during the course, exploring different perspectives.

Externally assessed 32% of the AS Level 16% of the A Level

Component 3

Team Project 40 marks 

Candidates work in teams to identify a local problem that has global relevance. Each team member researches the problem from a distinct perspective and suggests a solution based on their research findings.

Externally assessed 32% of the AS Level 16% of the A Level

A Level 

Component 4

Cambridge Research Report 

85 marks

Each candidate writes a research report of up to 5000 words. The topic content and the style of writing should not be highly technical, it should be aimed at a non-specialist reader.

Teacher Introduction

The subject will boost research and essay writing skills, these are both fundamental to life at any university. 

Students will learn how to become independent thinkers and not rely on others for guidance, this will give students added confidence with what they want to do in the future. 

In addition, students through the team project will learn to work in a collaborative manner through communicating effectively.